I was leaving the drop-in after movie night when a 40-ish black man stopped me on a street corner. “I want that!” he said, pointing to my shirt. “You should give it to me.”

The words on the shirt said simply, “John 3:16 — true story.” I cracked a joke and resumed my walk. “No!” he insisted. “I really do want to talk to you.” He explained that he knew me and what I do, knew that I change lives and wanted that.

He then dropped a familiar name, a former client who had gotten sober, come to Jesus and turned his life around. “I want what he has,” he said. Of course, I told him that it was Jesus who had changed the client’s life and is responsible for anything that I ever accomplish.

He asked me to mentor him. As a first step, I asked him to find a church to worship in regularly and a Bible study to attend regularly. I cautioned him not to fall into the “fixer trap” – to attend not as a homeless man but as just another sinner seeking to find out how better to follow Jesus.

We prayed together on that street corner, asking Jesus to encourage him and to help his wife, who he told me is entangled deeply in denial and addiction.

I’ll be praying for this man and I am keeping in my heart the fact that people are always watching and we may never know who or when the spirit effects people through our actions.

We were gathered for prayer time in what had been a slow day when Will walked in, bypassing the couches and heading straight to the kitchen. He didn’t look up or say hello.

We prayed on, inviting clients to respond to questions like “God is what? I am grateful for what? I feel closer to God when?” It’s part of how we help our spiritual — but not terribly religious — young adults begin to reconnect with God. The answers aren’t always “nice,” but they come from the heart — maybe the gut. We repeat and honor each and every one without judgment.

After the young man filled his plate, he sat a lunch table, still apart from our prayer group, still avoiding eye contact. I was leading the prayer concert, so I invited Will to answer one of our questions. He didn’t respond, but he did look up. I could see something different in his eyes — perhaps he was high, perhaps he was in trouble. Without a response, I couldn’t tell. I continued with those assembled, asking, “What do you want God to do next in your life?” Suddenly, Will blurted: “I want him to leave me alone!” Then he corrected himself: “No, I don’t really want that…”

We’ve known Will for quite a while. He’s one of those “difficult youth.” Honestly, the sight of him coming in the door in early 2016 meant my staff had to re-deploy resources to handle him. We had to ask him to leave many times because he just couldn’t behave safely. Lately, he’s been doing great — reconciled with his father, held a job for a while, begun to realize he can’t keep doing what he’s been doing.

Will began to tell his story: “I was at Church Under the Bridge Sunday. I wanted to eat. They started preaching and singing, and I just started crying. I don’t know why. I couldn’t stop. I tried, but I couldn’t. Some people noticed and they came over. They wanted to pray with me. I told them no. But I wanted it, I just didn’t want to put my stuff out there in front of everyone. So I’m here…”

Having broken the ice, Will began to participate and share answers. He walked over and joined the group. The clients shared what they want God to do in their lives, talked about friends and family, and lifted up our neighborhood and the city of Austin in prayer.

When we finished, I asked Will if this had been good. He said “Yes.” I asked if he understood what happened to him the previous Sunday. He responded without hesitation: “It was the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is moving within me. I don’t know exactly what to do, but I know that’s what it is. Something is changing.”

That’s where we left it. Will has a difficult struggle ahead. But we continue to organize our ministry life so we can be there for him, on his best days or his worst. It’s a pattern we see all the time. It takes years, but these awesome people recover their identities in God, in Christ, and in the world. It’s a privilege to behold.

Thank you for making it possible!

Terry Cole

‘I don’t make the bad choices I used to!’

John John was a very difficult client in 2015 — always getting into fights, frequently high and belligerent. We had to exclude him from service several times. He was banned or excluded from service for longer periods of time at other places.

John John left home right after high school and got involved with organized trouble immediately. Now, however, he’s sober, working and housed. “I have almost a whole paycheck saved,” he said recently. “That’s more than I’ve ever saved in my life. And now when tough things happen, I don’t make the bad choices I used to. I’m growing up and have learned to cope better. Thank you so much for sticking with me!”

We now are talking about John John’s future and what path to learning and growth he wants to take. We are proud of John John!

A bonanza of ‘swag’!

Volunteers from the local sales staff of Salesforce.com donated “swag” left over from trade shows and events. They shipped it from California, assembled it into gift sets and delivered them to three organizations, including hundreds of backpacks and blankets to SYM!

We were gathered for prayer time in what had been a slow day when Will walked in, bypassing the couches and heading straight to the kitchen. He didn’t look up or say hello.

We prayed on, inviting clients to respond to questions like “God is what? I am grateful for what? I feel closer to God when?” It’s part of how we help our spiritual — but not terribly religious — young adults begin to reconnect with God. The answers aren’t always “nice,” but they come from the heart — maybe the gut. We repeat and honor each and every one without judgment.

After the young man filled his plate, he sat a lunch table, still apart from our prayer group, still avoiding eye contact. I was leading the prayer concert, so I invited Will to answer one of our questions. He didn’t respond, but he did look up. I could see something different in his eyes — perhaps he was high, perhaps he was in trouble. Without a response, I couldn’t tell. I continued with those assembled, asking, “What do you want God to do next in your life?” Suddenly, Will blurted: “I want him to leave me alone!” Then he corrected himself: “No, I don’t really want that…”

We’ve known Will for quite a while. He’s one of those “difficult youth.” Honestly, the sight of him coming in the door in early 2016 meant my staff had to re-deploy resources to handle him. We had to ask him to leave many times because he just couldn’t behave safely. Lately, he’s been doing great — reconciled with his father, held a job for a while, begun to realize he can’t keep doing what he’s been doing.

Will began to tell his story: “I was at Church Under the Bridge Sunday. I wanted to eat. They started preaching and singing, and I just started crying. I don’t know why. I couldn’t stop. I tried, but I couldn’t. Some people noticed and they came over. They wanted to pray with me. I told them no. But I wanted it, I just didn’t want to put my stuff out there in front of everyone. So I’m here…”

Having broken the ice, Will began to participate and share answers. He walked over and joined the group. The clients shared what they want God to do in their lives, talked about friends and family, and lifted up our neighborhood and the city of Austin in prayer.

When we finished, I asked Will if this had been good. He said “Yes.” I asked if he understood what happened to him the previous Sunday. He responded without hesitation: “It was the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is moving within me. I don’t know exactly what to do, but I know that’s what it is. Something is changing.”

That’s where we left it. Will has a difficult struggle ahead. But we continue to organize our ministry life so we can be there for him, on his best days or his worst. It’s a pattern we see all the time. It takes years, but these awesome people recover their identities in God, in Christ, and in the world. It’s a privilege to behold.

Thank you for making it possible!

Terry Cole

‘I don’t make the bad choices I used to!’

John John was a very difficult client in 2015 — always getting into fights, frequently high and belligerent. We had to exclude him from service several times. He was banned or excluded from service for longer periods of time at other places.

John John left home right after high school and got involved with organized trouble immediately. Now, however, he’s sober, working and housed. “I have almost a whole paycheck saved,” he said recently. “That’s more than I’ve ever saved in my life. And now when tough things happen, I don’t make the bad choices I used to. I’m growing up and have learned to cope better. Thank you so much for sticking with me!”

We now are talking about John John’s future and what path to learning and growth he wants to take. We are proud of John John!

A bonanza of ‘swag’!

Volunteers from the local sales staff of Salesforce.com donated “swag” left over from trade shows and events. They shipped it from California, assembled it into gift sets and delivered them to three organizations, including hundreds of backpacks and blankets to SYM!

There
are three bills pending for the 2017 Regular Legislative Session in Texas that
relate to Identification for clients of street youth. None seem terribly
objectionable but without support from the public it’s not clear they will be
reported out of committee and move forward.

Identification
has become quite difficult to obtain ever since 9/11 — for good reasons.
However, as a homeless person, it has become increasingly difficult to get
Texas Identification cards from DPS. Our clients often face a very frustrating
period of 3 or 4 months in order to get their ID, only to often turn around and
have it stolen or lost on the streets. They often face extremely frustrating
requirements such as needing ID to get their birth certificate and needing a
birth certificate to get ID. Or similarly, needing an ID to get proof of social
security ID and needing social security ID to get a photo ID. The only portion
of the process that seems easy is, ironically, proof of residency. We are able
to notarize for clients a statement testifying that they are homeless.

One
proposed legislations would make it simpler for every homeless person to obtain
ID. And two other proposed legislations would apply to youth in foster care and
homeless young people through age 21 (or possibly 24).

HB 3354 – Was referred to Homeland
Security and Public Safety Committee about a month ago – it has not gotten a
hearing yet, and if it doesn’t get a hearing in about a week it will be dead.

HB 3561 – Was voted out of committee
two days ago – there was a committee substitute, and this language is not on
the Internet yet, but should be next week.

SB2107 – Referred to Health and Human
Services Committee about a month ago, and has not gotten a hearing yet. The drop-dead
date for Senate bills is a little later than house bills.

Street
Youth Ministry strongly encourages citizens of Texas to support passage of
simpler DPS IDs for homeless and especially homeless youth. If we want our
homeless to get jobs, find housing, apply for benefits, they desperately need
IDs quickly. So much of the work in social justice focuses on attempting to
help homeless navigate the frustrating, changing, and challenging requirements
for DSP issued ID. And these IDs are prerequisite for so many programs and
opportunities that we all want our homeless to avail themselves of. It only
makes sense to take away this barrier for all homeless and especially younger
homeless. Many homeless reports giving up their plans to return to normalcy
after repeatedly experiencing frustrations and setups in obtaining IDs.

Please
contact your representative to let them know you would like these bills to come
out of committee and be approved this year!

There
are three bills pending for the 2017 Regular Legislative Session in Texas that
relate to Identification for clients of street youth. None seem terribly
objectionable but without support from the public it’s not clear they will be
reported out of committee and move forward.

Identification
has become quite difficult to obtain ever since 9/11 — for good reasons.
However, as a homeless person, it has become increasingly difficult to get
Texas Identification cards from DPS. Our clients often face a very frustrating
period of 3 or 4 months in order to get their ID, only to often turn around and
have it stolen or lost on the streets. They often face extremely frustrating
requirements such as needing ID to get their birth certificate and needing a
birth certificate to get ID. Or similarly, needing an ID to get proof of social
security ID and needing social security ID to get a photo ID. The only portion
of the process that seems easy is, ironically, proof of residency. We are able
to notarize for clients a statement testifying that they are homeless.

One
proposed legislations would make it simpler for every homeless person to obtain
ID. And two other proposed legislations would apply to youth in foster care and
homeless young people through age 21 (or possibly 24).

HB 3354 – Was referred to Homeland
Security and Public Safety Committee about a month ago – it has not gotten a
hearing yet, and if it doesn’t get a hearing in about a week it will be dead.

HB 3561 – Was voted out of committee
two days ago – there was a committee substitute, and this language is not on
the Internet yet, but should be next week.

SB2107 – Referred to Health and Human
Services Committee about a month ago, and has not gotten a hearing yet. The drop-dead
date for Senate bills is a little later than house bills.

Street
Youth Ministry strongly encourages citizens of Texas to support passage of
simpler DPS IDs for homeless and especially homeless youth. If we want our
homeless to get jobs, find housing, apply for benefits, they desperately need
IDs quickly. So much of the work in social justice focuses on attempting to
help homeless navigate the frustrating, changing, and challenging requirements
for DSP issued ID. And these IDs are prerequisite for so many programs and
opportunities that we all want our homeless to avail themselves of. It only
makes sense to take away this barrier for all homeless and especially younger
homeless. Many homeless reports giving up their plans to return to normalcy
after repeatedly experiencing frustrations and setups in obtaining IDs.

Please
contact your representative to let them know you would like these bills to come
out of committee and be approved this year!

There
are three bills pending for the 2017 Regular Legislative Session in Texas that
relate to Identification for clients of street youth. None seem terribly
objectionable but without support from the public it’s not clear they will be
reported out of committee and move forward.

Identification
has become quite difficult to obtain ever since 9/11 — for good reasons.
However, as a homeless person, it has become increasingly difficult to get
Texas Identification cards from DPS. Our clients often face a very frustrating
period of 3 or 4 months in order to get their ID, only to often turn around and
have it stolen or lost on the streets. They often face extremely frustrating
requirements such as needing ID to get their birth certificate and needing a
birth certificate to get ID. Or similarly, needing an ID to get proof of social
security ID and needing social security ID to get a photo ID. The only portion
of the process that seems easy is, ironically, proof of residency. We are able
to notarize for clients a statement testifying that they are homeless.

One
proposed legislations would make it simpler for every homeless person to obtain
ID. And two other proposed legislations would apply to youth in foster care and
homeless young people through age 21 (or possibly 24).

HB 3354 – Was referred to Homeland
Security and Public Safety Committee about a month ago – it has not gotten a
hearing yet, and if it doesn’t get a hearing in about a week it will be dead.

HB 3561 – Was voted out of committee
two days ago – there was a committee substitute, and this language is not on
the Internet yet, but should be next week.

SB2107 – Referred to Health and Human
Services Committee about a month ago, and has not gotten a hearing yet. The drop-dead
date for Senate bills is a little later than house bills.

Street
Youth Ministry strongly encourages citizens of Texas to support passage of
simpler DPS IDs for homeless and especially homeless youth. If we want our
homeless to get jobs, find housing, apply for benefits, they desperately need
IDs quickly. So much of the work in social justice focuses on attempting to
help homeless navigate the frustrating, changing, and challenging requirements
for DSP issued ID. And these IDs are prerequisite for so many programs and
opportunities that we all want our homeless to avail themselves of. It only
makes sense to take away this barrier for all homeless and especially younger
homeless. Many homeless reports giving up their plans to return to normalcy
after repeatedly experiencing frustrations and setups in obtaining IDs.

Please
contact your representative to let them know you would like these bills to come
out of committee and be approved this year!

Even thoughanxiety disorders are typically highly treatable and are the most common mental illness in the U.S. (affecting 18 percent of the population), only one-third of sufferers receive treatment. In addition to seeking professional care, there are things you can do as a young adult with anxiety to help get your symptoms under control. Doing so will help you to live a more comfortable and enjoyable life.

Risks of Untreated Anxiety

Anxiety is commonlyassociated with agitation, insomnia, and the inability to concentrate. It’s also associated with an increased risk of heart disease and respiratory problems, as well as irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders. Headaches, both tension and migraine, are common in people with anxiety, as are allergies, sleep disturbances, and teeth grinding. Obesity has also been linked to anxiety.

Anxiety causes chronic stress, which can compromise your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections. If left untreated, anxiety can lead to a dual diagnosis with another mental health disorder or a substance use disorder. The negative effects of anxiety disorders can interfere with your life, creating issues at work, school, and in relationships. As you age, you have even more responsibilities, which will only add to your stress and exacerbate your anxiety. The earlier you can get a handle on your anxiety, the better.

Healthy Ways to Cope

Keeping your health in order is one of the most important ways tohelp you have a handle on your anxiety. Maintain a well-balanced diet and do not skip meals and snacks. This will worsen anxiety symptoms. Also, try to avoid caffeine and alcohol. You should also ensure you’re getting adequate sleep and establish a regular bedtime and wake-up time. Anywhere from seven to eight hours a night qualifies as adequate sleep.

According to GoodTherapy.org, “Daily exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress and anxiety.” Aim to exercise four or more days a week. In addition, many anxiety sufferers find relief from practicing deep breathing, meditation, or other relaxation exercises. Try to schedule rest breaks throughout the day, even if you have to set an alarm on your phone to remind you. Whether you take a short walk, meditate, practice mindful breathing, or another relaxation technique, be sure to take a few minutes several times a day for a timeout.

Find a hobby or passion and incorporate time to engage in that activity on a daily basis or as often as possible. Some people enjoy playing instruments, while others enjoy writing. A hike is therapeutic for certain individuals, and others find great joy in a game of disc golf. It doesn’t matter which interest you prefer, as long as it’s a healthy way to have fun and let loose.

Maintaining supportive relationships is an important part of successfully functioning with anxiety. Try to build loving and warm relationships with trusted individuals. This support system is an invaluable resource on your high-anxiety days and during hard times.

Dogs are good for anxiety because they provide structure and make people feel connected. They also boost your mood and reduce stress. Dogs can help you feel a sense of purpose and help you meet new people. If you don’t own a dog and don’t have the time or resources to care for one 24/7, take advantage of the sharingeconomy (today’s economic system in which individuals are able to share, borrow, or rent services or assets from another private individual). For example, if you’re 18 or older, you can take on dog walking as a side gig to take advantage of the health benefits of quality time with dogs while also earning extra money.

Anxiety disorder is a chronic condition, so there is no cure. It’s a lifelong disease with many ups and downs. However, living a successful and comfortable life with an anxiety disorder is possible. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and incorporating some coping techniques, you can have better control of your symptoms.

(1) Google Voice. If you have a phone you can easily register for Google Voice and activate it using your phone. You don’t have to forward all calls to your phone. You can think of GV just as an answering machine. GV will keep working even when your phone is off or service suspended or you no longer have a phone at all. You can check your message over WiFi or at a computer and even make and receive calls over Wifi. You’ll have a local 512 area code number.

You can register for GV using a computer or phone. You can get a free phone number at http://www.ipkall.com/ and then use that number to activate your GV.

(2) Obama phone. You should be able to qualify for a lifeline phone (lots of people call them “Obama phones”) through Assurance Wireless. You can apply online at http://ift.tt/1lnjoD9 and wait for a period of time to receive the phone.

OR you can go to Budget Mobile on 7th street east of I-35, take a food stamp award or other government benefit card and usually one can get a phone right then. An Obama phone offers 250 free minutes and 250 free texts per month. To stretch this out, active Google Voice with it right away!